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Yan X, Zhu A, Li Y, Yang Z, Wang Y, Liu L, Liu W, Liu D, Li F, Du J, Cheng F, Gao X, Zhao J. Systematical assessment of digit ratio in a female masculinization disease: polycystic ovary syndrome. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2023; 14:1146124. [PMID: 37223048 PMCID: PMC10202172 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2023.1146124] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2023] [Accepted: 03/30/2023] [Indexed: 05/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Background In recent years, the right ratio of 2nd and 4th digit length (2D:4D) is regarded as an anatomical marker of prenatal testosterone exposure. Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a female masculinized disease and is determined by prenatal testosterone exposure. Whether the ratio in the right hand of PCOS women is reduced or not compared with non-PCOS women is under debate. To further investigate the relationship between PCOS and digit ratio, we systematically measured all the digit ratios. Methods We recruited 34 non-PCOS women, 116 PCOS women, and 40 men and systematically measured all the ratios of digit length (2D:3D, 2D:4D, 2D:5D, 3D:4D, 3D:5D, and 4D:5D) of right hands and left hands. Results Left 2D:3D, 2D:4D, and 2D:5D in men were significantly lower than those in non-PCOS women. Significantly lower digit ratios of left 2D:3D and 2D:4D were observed in PCOS compared with non-PCOS women. In the subgroup analysis, the left ratio of digit length in 2D:3D and 2D:5D of the hyperandrogenism subgroup was lower than that of the non-hyperandrogenism subgroup without statistical significance. The logistic regression model of PCOS revealed that 2D:3D, 2D:4D, 2D:5D, and 3D:4D of left hands were statistically related to the diagnosis of PCOS among all the digit ratios. Conclusion Not only 2D:4D but also other digit ratios, such as 2D:3D and 2D:5D, are a marker of prenatal testosterone exposure and may be an anatomical marker of PCOS. The majority of these significant differences included left 2D, with the following order: non-PCOS women > PCOS women > men.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xueqi Yan
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, China
- Key Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology of Ministry of Education, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, China
- Shandong Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, Shandong, China
- Shandong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Reproductive Health, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, China
- Shandong Technology Innovation Center for Reproductive Health, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, China
- National Research Center for Assisted Reproductive Technology and Reproductive Genetics, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Aiqing Zhu
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, China
- Key Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology of Ministry of Education, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, China
- Shandong Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, Shandong, China
- Shandong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Reproductive Health, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, China
- Shandong Technology Innovation Center for Reproductive Health, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, China
- National Research Center for Assisted Reproductive Technology and Reproductive Genetics, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Yexing Li
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, China
- Key Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology of Ministry of Education, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, China
- Shandong Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, Shandong, China
- Shandong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Reproductive Health, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, China
- Shandong Technology Innovation Center for Reproductive Health, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, China
- National Research Center for Assisted Reproductive Technology and Reproductive Genetics, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Ziyi Yang
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, China
- Key Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology of Ministry of Education, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, China
- Shandong Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, Shandong, China
- Shandong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Reproductive Health, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, China
- Shandong Technology Innovation Center for Reproductive Health, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, China
- National Research Center for Assisted Reproductive Technology and Reproductive Genetics, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Yuteng Wang
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, China
- Key Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology of Ministry of Education, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, China
- Shandong Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, Shandong, China
- Shandong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Reproductive Health, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, China
- Shandong Technology Innovation Center for Reproductive Health, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, China
- National Research Center for Assisted Reproductive Technology and Reproductive Genetics, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Li Liu
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, Yinchuan Maternal and Child Health Hospital, Yinchuan, Ning xia, China
| | - Wei Liu
- Department of Reproductive Surgery, Northwest Women’s and Children’s Hospital, Xi’an, Shanxi, China
| | - Dan Liu
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Tang Du Hospital, The Air Force Military Medical University, Xi’an, Shanxi, China
| | - Fenghua Li
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, Yuhuangding Hospital Affiliated to Qingdao University, Yantai, Shandong, China
| | - Juan Du
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Fang Cheng
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, Yinchuan Maternal and Child Health Hospital, Yinchuan, Ning xia, China
| | - Xueying Gao
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, China
- Key Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology of Ministry of Education, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, China
- Shandong Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, Shandong, China
- Shandong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Reproductive Health, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, China
- Shandong Technology Innovation Center for Reproductive Health, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, China
- National Research Center for Assisted Reproductive Technology and Reproductive Genetics, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, China
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Ren Ji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory for Assisted Reproduction and Reproductive Genetics, Shanghai, China
| | - Junli Zhao
- Reproductive Medicine Center, General Hospital of Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan, Ningxia, China
- Key Laboratory of Fertility Preservation and Maintenance of Ministry of Education, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan, Ningxia, China
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Crespi B. Variation among human populations in endometriosis and PCOS A test of the inverse comorbidity model. Evol Med Public Health 2021; 9:295-310. [PMID: 34659773 PMCID: PMC8514856 DOI: 10.1093/emph/eoab029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2021] [Accepted: 09/14/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Evidence linking endometriosis to low prenatal testosterone, and evidence that risk of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is associated with high prenatal testosterone, have motivated the hypothesis that endometriosis and PCOS exhibit inverse comorbidity. The inverse comorbidity hypothesis predicts that populations exhibiting higher prevalence of one disorder should show lower prevalence of the other. To test this prediction, data were compiled from the literature on the prevalence of endometriosis and PCOS, levels of serum testosterone in women during pregnancy and digit ratios as indicators of prenatal testosterone, in relation to variation in inferred or observed population ancestries. Published studies indicate that rates of endometriosis are highest in women from Asian populations, intermediate in women from European populations and lowest in women from African populations (i.e. with inferred or observed African ancestry); by contrast, rates of PCOS show evidence of being lowest in Asian women, intermediate in Europeans and highest in individuals from African populations. Women from African populations also show higher serum testosterone during pregnancy (which may increase PCOS risk, and decrease endometriosis risk, in daughters), and higher prenatal testosterone (as indicated by digit ratios), than European women. These results are subject to caveats involving ascertainment biases, socioeconomic, cultural and historical effects on diagnoses, data quality, uncertainties regarding the genetic and environmental bases of population differences and population variation in the causes and symptoms of PCOS and endometriosis. Despite such reservations, the findings provide convergent, preliminary support for the inverse comorbidity model, and they should motivate further tests of its predictions. Lay Summary: Given that endometriosis risk and risk of polycystic ovary syndrome show evidence of having genetically, developmentally, and physiologically opposite causes, they should also show opposite patterns of prevalence within populations: where one is more common, the other should be more rare. This hypothesis is supported by data from studies of variation among populations in rates of endometriosis and PCOS and studies of variation among populations in levels of prenatal testosterone, which mediaterisks of both conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bernard Crespi
- Department of Biological Sciences, Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, British Columbia, Canada
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Yamaguchi N, Yasui T, Kaji T, Sogawa E, Yoshida A, Yonetani N, Irahara M. Usefulness of measurement of proximal phalanx length by using ultrasonography in newborn infants. J OBSTET GYNAECOL 2020; 41:739-745. [PMID: 33054451 DOI: 10.1080/01443615.2020.1798903] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
The purpose of this study was to compare digit lengths and proximal phalanx lengths in newborn infants by using ultrasonography (USG) and to examine sex differences between the ratio of the second digit (2D) and fourth digit (4D) of digit length and that of proximal phalanx length and the associations of digit length and proximal phalanx length with birth weight and birth height. Sixty newborn infants (28 males and 32 females) were recruited. Digit lengths were measured by using a transparent ruler and proximal phalanx lengths were measured by using USG. There were significant correlations between digit length and proximal phalanx length in the left and right hands. There was no significant correlation between 2D:4D ratios of digit lengths and 2D:4D ratios of proximal phalanx lengths measured by using USG. In males, birth height was significantly associated with right fourth proximal phalanx length and with left second and fourth proximal phalanx lengths. Birth weight was significantly associated with proximal phalanx length in males. Proximal phalanx length measured by using USG was significantly associated with digit length in newborn infants. Hormonal exposure before birth may be involved in the associations of proximal phalanx length with birth weight and height in males.Impact statementWhat is already known on this subject? The ratio of the second digit (2D) and fourth digit (4D) has been used postnatally to provide a retrospective indication of the foetal hormonal environment. Digit lengths have been measured by using a direct method, photocopies, digital scans and radiographs, but the results of a study on measurement of digit lengths by using ultrasonography (USG) have not been reported.What do the results of this study add? Proximal phalanx length measured by using USG was significantly associated with digit length in newborn infants. In males, birth height was significantly associated with right fourth proximal phalanx length and with left second and fourth proximal phalanx lengths. Birth weight was significantly associated with proximal phalanx length in males.What are the implications of these findings for clinical practice and/or further research? Measurement of proximal phalanx length by using USG may be useful for a study on gender differences in foetal development and the foetal hormonal environment. Hormonal exposure before birth may be involved in the associations of proximal phalanx length with birth weight and height in males.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natsumi Yamaguchi
- Department of Cardiology, Tokushima Graduate School of Medical Science, Tokushima, Japan
| | - Toshiyuki Yasui
- Department of Reproductive and Menopausal Medicine, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Tokushima University Graduate School, Tokushima, Japan
| | - Takashi Kaji
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Tokushima University Graduate School, Tokushima, Japan
| | - Eishi Sogawa
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Tokushima University Graduate School, Tokushima, Japan
| | - Atsuko Yoshida
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Tokushima University Graduate School, Tokushima, Japan
| | - Naoto Yonetani
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Tokushima University Graduate School, Tokushima, Japan
| | - Minoru Irahara
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Tokushima University Graduate School, Tokushima, Japan
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Peters HE, Laeven CHC, Trimbos CJMA, van de Ven PM, Verhoeven MO, Schats R, Mijatovic V, Lambalk CB. Anthropometric biomarkers for abnormal prenatal reproductive hormone exposure in women with Mayer-Rokitanksy-Küster-Hauser syndrome, polycystic ovary syndrome, and endometriosis. Fertil Steril 2020; 114:1297-1305. [PMID: 33036791 DOI: 10.1016/j.fertnstert.2020.06.029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2019] [Revised: 06/16/2020] [Accepted: 06/16/2020] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To study whether markers of prenatal exposure to reproductive hormones are related to Mayer-Rokitansky-Küster-Hauser (MRKH) syndrome, polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), and endometriosis. DESIGN Case-control study. Comparison of sex hormone-related external genital and digital characteristics in cases and controls. SETTING University hospital. PATIENT(S) We enrolled 172 women in four groups-women with MKRH, women with PCOS, women with endometriosis, and controls (43 in each group). INTERVENTION(S) Measurement of two anthropometric biomarkers: anogenital distance and digit ratio. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S) Anogenital distance was measured from the anus to the anterior clitoral surface (AGDac) and from the anus to the posterior fourchette (AGDaf). For the digit ratio we used a direct, as well as a computer-assisted graphic measurement to measure the length of the second and fourth digit. RESULT(S) After adjustment for body mass index and age, AGDac was the shortest in endometriosis and the longest in PCOS groups, with a mean difference of 10 mm (95% confidence interval 3.1-16.8). AGDaf but not AGDac measures were found to be significantly larger in the MRKH group, with a mean difference compared with controls of 2.6 mm (95% confidence interval 0.1-5.2). The digit ratio was not significantly different between the groups. CONCLUSION(S) In this study we did find limited evidence for androgen exposure during the development of MRKH. This is compatible with the hypothesis that the uterovaginal agenesis may have been the result of temporary prenatal exposure to altered gonadal hormone concentrations. For endometriosis and PCOS we confirm previously observed associations for anogenital distance reflecting possible estrogen-based and androgen-based intrauterine origins, respectively. DUTCH TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER NTR7492.
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Affiliation(s)
- Henrike E Peters
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynaecology, Amsterdam University Medical Centers, Vrije Universiteit, Amsterdam, the Netherlands.
| | - Claire H C Laeven
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynaecology, Amsterdam University Medical Centers, Vrije Universiteit, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Constantia J M A Trimbos
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynaecology, Amsterdam University Medical Centers, Vrije Universiteit, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Peter M van de Ven
- Clinical Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Amsterdam University Medical Centers, Vrije Universiteit, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Marieke O Verhoeven
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynaecology, Amsterdam University Medical Centers, Vrije Universiteit, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Roel Schats
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynaecology, Amsterdam University Medical Centers, Vrije Universiteit, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Velja Mijatovic
- Endometriosis Center, Department of Reproductive Medicine, Amsterdam University Medical Centers, Vrije Universiteit, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Cornelis B Lambalk
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynaecology, Amsterdam University Medical Centers, Vrije Universiteit, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
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Tabachnik M, Sheiner E, Wainstock T. The association between second to fourth digit ratio, reproductive and general health among women: findings from an Israeli pregnancy cohort. Sci Rep 2020; 10:6341. [PMID: 32286380 PMCID: PMC7156723 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-62599-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2019] [Accepted: 03/15/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
The ratio between the length of second and fourth digits (2D:4D) is a putative biomarker for prenatal testosterone and estrogen exposure. The aim of the study was to examine the association between 2D:4D and women’s general and reproductive health. This analysis was conducted within a prospective pregnancy cohort study. The study population included 187 women. 2D:4D was measured directly in both hands using a digital caliper. Multivariable linear and logistic models were used to study the associations between digit ratio and the studied health characteristics. Mean age of the participants was 30.7 ± 4.9 years. The mean age at menarche was 12.9 ± 1.4 years. Right hand 2D:4D mean ± SD was 0.965 ± 0.03. Left hand 2D:4D mean ± SD was 0.956 ± 0.03. An association was found between right 2D:4D and age at menarche, with older age in women with 2D:4D ≥ mean versus 2D:4D < mean (13.2 ± 1.5 and 12.8 ± 1.3 respectively, b = 0.48, 95%CI:0.06–0.91) while controlling for ethnicity. Higher 2D:4D was also associated with heavier menses bleeding and dysmenorrhea. There is an association between 2D:4D and sub optimal reproductive characteristics, including later age at menarche, heavier menses bleeding and dysmenorrhea. These findings support the association between the intrauterine period and reproductive characteristics. Further studies are required to support our findings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maya Tabachnik
- The Department of Public Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, POB 653, Beer-Sheva, 84105, Israel.
| | - Eyal Sheiner
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Soroka University Medical Center, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, POB 151, Beer-Sheva, 84101, Israel
| | - Tamar Wainstock
- The Department of Public Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, POB 653, Beer-Sheva, 84105, Israel
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Shere M, Arbuckle TE, Monnier P, Fraser W, Velez MP. Time-to-pregnancy and offspring finger-length ratio (2D:4D). Am J Hum Biol 2018; 30:e23176. [PMID: 30329191 DOI: 10.1002/ajhb.23176] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2018] [Revised: 06/28/2018] [Accepted: 08/01/2018] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Time-to-Pregnancy (TTP) is an epidemiological tool to assess couple fecundity. The finger digit ratio (2D:4D) has been suggested as a marker of androgen exposure in utero. Maternal, paternal, or couple-mediated factors related to fecundity may also have an effect on androgen exposure during pregnancy. We aimed to investigate the association between TTP, infertility, or use of Assisted Reproductive Technologies (ART) and offspring 2D:4D. METHODS Data from 673 mother-child pairs were collected from questionnaires in the Maternal-Infant Research on Environmental Chemicals (MIREC) study across 10 cities in Canada. The mean maternal age was 33.4 years (SD 4.7), with a median gestational age of 12.1 weeks (SD 1.3), at the time of recruitment. Our study included 338 girls and 335 boys, and the mean age of the children at follow-up was 3.5 years (SD 1.0). TTP was assessed through questionnaires during the first trimester of pregnancy. Digital photographs of both hands were taken in a follow-up study to calculate the children's 2D:4D (2-5 years). anova, t tests, and multiple linear regression analyses were conducted. RESULTS Boys had significantly lower mean 2D:4Ds (0.936 ±0.041 in right hand, 0.936 ±0.040 in left hand) compared to girls (0.948 ±0.038 in right hand, 0.945 ±0.038 in left hand). The mean 2D:4D did not differ according to TTP, infertility, or use of ART. The only factors associated with the child's 2D:4D were the child's age and maternal 2D:4D. CONCLUSIONS Our study does not support an association between TTP, infertility, or use of ART and children's 2D:4D.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mahvash Shere
- School of Medicine, Queen's University, Kingston, Canada
| | - Tye E Arbuckle
- Targeted Epidemiology and Biomonitoring Section, Environmental Health Science and Research Bureau, Healthy Environments and Consumer Safety Branch, Ottawa, Canada
| | - Patricia Monnier
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, Canada
| | - William Fraser
- Sainte-Justine University Hospital Research Centre, University of Montreal, Montreal, Canada.,Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Sherbrooke, Quebec, Canada
| | - Maria P Velez
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Division of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, Queen's University, Kingston, Canada
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Roy R, Kundu R, Sengupta M, Som P. Association between digit length ratio (2D:4D) and polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS)—A study among eastern Indian population. J ANAT SOC INDIA 2018. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jasi.2017.12.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
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Sánchez-Ferrer ML, Mendiola J, Hernández-Peñalver AI, Corbalán-Biyang S, Carmona-Barnosi A, Prieto-Sánchez MT, Nieto A, Torres-Cantero AM. Presence of polycystic ovary syndrome is associated with longer anogenital distance in adult Mediterranean women. Hum Reprod 2017; 32:2315-2323. [DOI: 10.1093/humrep/dex274] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2017] [Accepted: 08/02/2017] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- María L Sánchez-Ferrer
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, ‘Virgen de la Arrixaca’ University Clinical Hospital, 30120 El Palmar (Murcia), Spain
- Institute for Biomedical Research of Murcia, IMIB-Arrixaca, 30120 El Palmar (Murcia), Spain
| | - Jaime Mendiola
- Institute for Biomedical Research of Murcia, IMIB-Arrixaca, 30120 El Palmar (Murcia), Spain
- Division of Preventive Medicine and Public Health, Department of Public Health Sciences, University of Murcia School of Medicine, 30100 Espinardo (Murcia), Spain
- CIBER Epidemiología y Salud Pública (CIBERESP), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, 28029 Madrid, Spain
| | - Ana I Hernández-Peñalver
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, ‘Virgen de la Arrixaca’ University Clinical Hospital, 30120 El Palmar (Murcia), Spain
| | - Shiana Corbalán-Biyang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, ‘Virgen de la Arrixaca’ University Clinical Hospital, 30120 El Palmar (Murcia), Spain
| | - Ana Carmona-Barnosi
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, ‘Virgen de la Arrixaca’ University Clinical Hospital, 30120 El Palmar (Murcia), Spain
| | - María T Prieto-Sánchez
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, ‘Virgen de la Arrixaca’ University Clinical Hospital, 30120 El Palmar (Murcia), Spain
- Institute for Biomedical Research of Murcia, IMIB-Arrixaca, 30120 El Palmar (Murcia), Spain
| | - Aníbal Nieto
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, ‘Virgen de la Arrixaca’ University Clinical Hospital, 30120 El Palmar (Murcia), Spain
- Institute for Biomedical Research of Murcia, IMIB-Arrixaca, 30120 El Palmar (Murcia), Spain
| | - Alberto M Torres-Cantero
- Institute for Biomedical Research of Murcia, IMIB-Arrixaca, 30120 El Palmar (Murcia), Spain
- Division of Preventive Medicine and Public Health, Department of Public Health Sciences, University of Murcia School of Medicine, 30100 Espinardo (Murcia), Spain
- CIBER Epidemiología y Salud Pública (CIBERESP), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, 28029 Madrid, Spain
- Department of Preventive Medicine, ‘Virgen de la Arrixaca’ University Clinical Hospital, 30120 El Palmar (Murcia), Spain
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9
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Is maternal periconceptional smoking associated with 2D:4D digit ratio in their children? J Dev Orig Health Dis 2017; 8:597-603. [DOI: 10.1017/s2040174417000320] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
The 2nd--4th finger ratio (2D:4D) has been proposed as a potential indicator of greater androgen exposure during fetal development. Maternal periconceptional smoking may alter the homeostasis of fetal androgens, which could in turn result in differential development of 2D:4Ds in utero. The aim of the present study was to assess the effect of maternal periconceptional smoking (i.e. 1 year before through the first trimester of pregnancy) on the 2D:4D of children within The Maternal-Infant Research on Environmental Chemicals (MIREC) study. Maternal smoking history was obtained through questionnaires during the first trimester of pregnancy in 2001 women from 10 cities across Canada. The periconceptional smoking prevalence was 12%. A follow-up study was conducted to measure growth and development up to 5 years of age in a subsample of some 800 MIREC children (MIREC-CD Plus), and digital pictures of the ventral surface of both hands were obtained in mothers and children (2–5 years). The 2D:4D was calculated as the ratio of the 2nd and 4th fingers of each hand. Boys had lower mean 2D:4Ds compared with girls in both hands. Age and maternal 2D:4D were strong determinants of the children’s 2D:4D, however, the mean 2D:4D did not differ among children whose mothers had smoked during the periconceptional period compared with those who had not, irrespective of sex. In conclusion, we did not find an association between maternal periconceptional smoking and children’s 2D:4D, although the smoking prevalence was low.
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Wu Y, Zhong G, Chen S, Zheng C, Liao D, Xie M. Polycystic ovary syndrome is associated with anogenital distance, a marker of prenatal androgen exposure. Hum Reprod 2017; 32:937-943. [DOI: 10.1093/humrep/dex042] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2016] [Accepted: 02/25/2017] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
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Vélez MP, Arbuckle TE, Monnier P, Fraser WD. Female digit length ratio (2D:4D) and time-to-pregnancy. Hum Reprod 2016; 31:2128-34. [PMID: 27343270 DOI: 10.1093/humrep/dew164] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2016] [Accepted: 06/03/2016] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
STUDY QUESTION Is the female 2th- to 4th-finger ratio (2D:4D) associated with fecundity as measured by time-to-pregnancy (TTP)? SUMMARY ANSWER Our study does not support an association between female 2D:4D and TTP. WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY The 2th- to 4th-finger ratio (2D:4D) has been proposed as a potential indicator of greater androgen exposure during fetal development. Women exposed in utero to unbalanced steroid hormones may have impaired fecundity in the adulthood. Fecundity is often measured by TTP, an epidemiological tool commonly used to assess the impact of environmental factors in human conception. STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION The Maternal-Infant Research on Environmental Chemicals (MIREC) Study is a pregnancy and birth cohort of 2001 women recruited before 14 weeks of gestation in 10 cities across Canada between 2008 and 2011. The present analysis is part of MIREC-CD Plus, a follow-up study in a subsample of some 800 MIREC mothers and their children from 2012 to 2015. PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODS TTP and maternal characteristics were collected from questionnaires administered during the first trimester of pregnancy as part of the MIREC study. Digital pictures of the ventral surface of both hands were obtained in the MIREC mothers at the MIREC-CD Plus follow-up study. The 2D:4D was calculated as the ratio of the second and fourth fingers of each hand. The exposure of interest was the 2D:4D of the women categorized by tertiles, or dichotomized as ≥1 (index finger longer than the ring finger) or <1 (ring finger longer than the index finger, implying greater androgen exposure during fetal development). The final sample included 696 mothers. Statistical analyses included discrete-time Cox proportional hazard models, allowing adjustment for potential confounding factors. MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE There was no evidence of diminished/increased fecundability according to the 2D:4D, neither on the right nor on the left hand. In our analysis by tertiles, the smallest 2D:4D (i.e. higher androgen exposure during fetal life) resulted in FORs higher than 1 (i.e. shorter TTP) in both hands, although this was not statistically significant (FOR 1.19 [95% CI 0.93, 1.51] in the right hand and 1.16 [95% CI 0.91, 1.47] in the left hand). In the dichotomous analysis, 2D:4D <1 resulted in FORs higher than 1 (i.e. shorter TTP), but this was also not statistically significant (FOR 1.08 [95% CI 0.88, 1.33] in the right hand and 1.14 [95% CI 0.92, 1.42] in the left hand). Our large sample size resulted in a high statistical power to exclude an association between female 2D:4D and TTP. LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR CAUTION The MIREC Study is a cohort of pregnant women, and therefore, women with infertility were excluded by design from our study. WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS Our data do not provide evidence for an association between female 2D:4D and fecundity as measured by TTP. Whether the female 2D:4D is a marker of in utero androgen exposure and whether it is associated with fecundity have yet to be determined. STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTEREST The MIREC Study was funded by Health Canada's Chemicals Management Plan, the Canadian Institute of Health Research (CIHR grant # MOP - 81285), and the Ontario Ministry of the Environment. MIREC-CD Plus was funded by Health Canada's Chemicals Management Plan Research Fund. The 2D:4D component was funded by a research grant from the CIHR-Quebec Training Network in Perinatal Research (QTNPR). M.P. Vélez was supported by a CIHR Fellowship Award, and a QTNPR scholarship. P. Monnier is supported by the Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre. W.D Fraser is supported by a CIHR Canada Research Chair. There are no conflicts of interest to declare.
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Affiliation(s)
- M P Vélez
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Kingston General Hospital, Queen's University, Kingston, Canada
| | - T E Arbuckle
- Population Studies Division, Healthy Environments and Consumer Safety Branch, Health Canada, Ottawa, Canada
| | - P Monnier
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, Canada
| | - W D Fraser
- Sainte-Justine University Hospital Research Centre, University of Montreal, Montreal, Canada Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, Quebec, Canada
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Apicella CL, Tobolsky VA, Marlowe FW, Miller KW. Hadza hunter-gatherer men do not have more masculine digit ratios (2D:4D). AMERICAN JOURNAL OF PHYSICAL ANTHROPOLOGY 2015; 159:223-32. [PMID: 26354727 DOI: 10.1002/ajpa.22864] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2015] [Revised: 08/23/2015] [Accepted: 08/30/2015] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES The ratio between the length of the second and the length of the fourth digit (2D:4D) is sexually dimorphic such that males of many species possess a lower ratio than females, particularly in the right hand. Still, men and women often exhibit overlapping 2D:4D ranges and the ratio is highly variable between populations. In order to further explore populational variability, we chose to analyze 2D:4D in the Hadza, a population of hunter-gatherers living in Tanzania. MATERIALS AND METHODS Data were collected separately by two researchers over the course of three years (1998, 2001, 2006) from 152 adult participants (male: n = 76, female: n = 76). Independent samples t-tests were used to explore sex differences, paired samples t-tests were used to explore directional effects within each sex, and linear regression and one-way ANOVA were used to test possible age effects. RESULTS In none of the years, or pooled (n = 152), did we find evidence that adult men have a lower 2D:4D than adult women. If anything, the data suggest that women in this population have a significantly lower right hand 2D:4D than men (P < 0.001, d = 0.57). In contrast, left hand 2D:4D did not exhibit a sex difference (P = 0.862, d = 0.03). DISCUSSION These findings challenge the current view that lower 2D:4D in men is a uniform characteristic of our species. Cross-populational variance in 2D:4D may be related to known patterns of hormonal variation resulting from both genetic and environmental mechanisms, though this relationship merits further investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Coren L Apicella
- Department of Psychology, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, 19104
| | - Victoria A Tobolsky
- Department of Psychology, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, 19104.,Department of Human Evolutionary Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, 02138
| | - Frank W Marlowe
- Division of Biological Anthropology, Department of Archaeology and Anthropology, Cambridge, CB2 3QG, UK
| | - Kathleen W Miller
- Department of Human Evolutionary Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, 02138
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Dumesic DA, Goodarzi MO, Chazenbalk GD, Abbott DH. Intrauterine environment and polycystic ovary syndrome. Semin Reprod Med 2014; 32:159-65. [PMID: 24715510 DOI: 10.1055/s-0034-1371087] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
The maternal-fetal environment plays an important role in developmental programming of adult disease. Metabolic and hormonal dysfunction during human fetal development accompanies gestational diabetes as a common occurrence in mothers with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), while human fetal androgen excess from congenital adrenal hyperplasia or virilizing tumors precedes PCOS-like symptoms after birth. To date, clinical studies of infant blood levels at term have yet to confirm that human fetal androgen excess promotes PCOS development after birth. Earlier in development, however, circulating androgen levels in the second trimester female human fetus can normally rise into the male range. Furthermore, midgestational amniotic testosterone levels are elevated in female fetuses of PCOS compared with normal mothers and might influence fetal development because experimentally induced fetal androgen excess in animals produces a PCOS-like phenotype with reproductive and metabolic dysfunction. Such alterations in the maternal-fetal environment likely program adult PCOS by epigenetic modifications of genetic susceptibility of the fetus to PCOS after birth. Understanding this phenomenon requires advanced fetal surveillance technologies and postnatal assessment of midgestational androgen exposure for new clinical strategies to improve reproduction in PCOS women, optimize long-term health of their offspring, and minimize susceptibility to acquiring PCOS in future generations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel A Dumesic
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Los Angeles, California
| | - Mark O Goodarzi
- Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes, and Metabolism, Department of Medicine, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, California
| | - Gregorio D Chazenbalk
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Los Angeles, California
| | - David H Abbott
- Wisconsin National Primate Research Center, Madison, Wisconsin
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Abbott DH, Nicol LE, Levine JE, Xu N, Goodarzi MO, Dumesic DA. Nonhuman primate models of polycystic ovary syndrome. Mol Cell Endocrinol 2013; 373:21-8. [PMID: 23370180 PMCID: PMC3683573 DOI: 10.1016/j.mce.2013.01.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 67] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2013] [Accepted: 01/18/2013] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
With close genomic and phenotypic similarity to humans, nonhuman primate models provide comprehensive epigenetic mimics of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), suggesting early life targeting for prevention. Fetal exposure to testosterone (T), of all nonhuman primate emulations, provides the closest PCOS-like phenotypes, with early-to-mid gestation T-exposed female rhesus monkeys exhibiting adult reproductive, endocrinological and metabolic dysfunctional traits that are co-pathologies of PCOS. Late gestational T exposure, while inducing adult ovarian hyperandrogenism and menstrual abnormalities, has less dysfunctional metabolic accompaniment. Fetal exposures to dihydrotestosterone (DHT) or diethylstilbestrol (DES) suggest androgenic and estrogenic aspects of fetal programming. Neonatal exposure to T produces no PCOS-like outcome, while continuous T treatment of juvenile females causes precocious weight gain and early menarche (high T), or high LH and weight gain (moderate T). Acute T exposure of adult females generates polyfollicular ovaries, while chronic T exposure induces subtle menstrual irregularities without metabolic dysfunction.
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Affiliation(s)
- David H Abbott
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI, USA.
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Abbott DH, Bacha F. Ontogeny of polycystic ovary syndrome and insulin resistance in utero and early childhood. Fertil Steril 2013; 100:2-11. [PMID: 23809624 PMCID: PMC3732450 DOI: 10.1016/j.fertnstert.2013.05.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2013] [Revised: 05/15/2013] [Accepted: 05/16/2013] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a prevalent hyperandrogenic infertility and cardiometabolic disorder that increases a woman's lifetime risk of type 2 diabetes mellitus. It is heritable and intensely familial. Progress toward a cure has been delayed by absence of an etiology. Evidence is mounting, however, for in utero T excess, together with gestational hyperglycemia, contributing to either early differentiation of PCOS or phenotypic amplification of its genotypes. Abnormal endocrine, ovarian, and hyperinsulinemic traits are detectable as early as 2 months of age in daughters of women with PCOS, with adiposity enhancement of hyperinsulinemia during childhood potentially contributing to hyperandrogenism and LH excess by adolescence. These findings encourage increasing clinical focus on early childhood markers for adiposity and hyperinsulinemia accompanying ovarian and adrenal endocrine abnormalities that precede a diagnosable PCOS phenotype. They raise the possibility for lifestyle or therapeutic intervention before and during pregnancy or during childhood and adolescence alleviating the manifestations of a familial genetic predisposition to PCOS.
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Affiliation(s)
- David H Abbott
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology and Wisconsin National Primate Research Center, University of Wisconsin, Madison, Wisconsin 53715, USA.
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Krishan K, Kanchan T, Asha N, Kaur S, Chatterjee PM, Singh B. Estimation of sex from index and ring finger in a North Indian population. J Forensic Leg Med 2013; 20:471-9. [PMID: 23756517 DOI: 10.1016/j.jflm.2013.03.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2012] [Revised: 12/18/2012] [Accepted: 03/02/2013] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Estimation of sex is an important parameter in the examination of unknown dismembered and commingled remains. The present study explores the possibility of estimation of sex from length of index and ring finger and the index and ring finger ratio in 140 individuals (70 boys and 70 girls) from North India. Index finger length (IFL) and ring finger length (RFL) of the participants were measured following standard procedures and landmarks. Sex differentiation in the present study was based on sectioning point analysis. The 'sectioning point' for the IFL, RFL and the index and the ring finger ratio was estimated from the average of the mean of male and female values. Binary logistic regression (BLR) analysis was employed to derive a predicting equation for estimation of sex. The results of the present study indicate that significant sex differences exist in the IFL and RFL and index and ring finger ratio. Among finger lengths, RFL is a better predictor of sex than IFL. It is further concluded that the index and ring finger length is of limited utility in estimation of sex in forensic casework and should be employed only in cases when no other means of sexing are available. The study suggests that the index and ring finger ratio should not be employed in estimation of sex in forensic casework due to considerable overlap in male and female values.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kewal Krishan
- Department of Anthropology, Panjab University, Chandigarh, India.
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Abbott AD, Colman RJ, Tiefenthaler R, Dumesic DA, Abbott DH. Early-to-mid gestation fetal testosterone increases right hand 2D:4D finger length ratio in polycystic ovary syndrome-like monkeys. PLoS One 2012; 7:e42372. [PMID: 22927929 PMCID: PMC3425513 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0042372] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2012] [Accepted: 07/05/2012] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
A smaller length ratio for the second relative to the fourth finger (2D:4D) is repeatedly associated with fetal male-typical testosterone (T) and is implicated as a biomarker for a variety of traits and susceptibility to a number of diseases, but no experimental human studies have been performed. The present study utilizes the rhesus monkey, a close relative of humans, and employs discrete gestational exposure of female monkeys to fetal male-typical T levels for 15-35 days during early-to-mid (40-76 days; n = 7) or late (94-139 days; n = 7) gestation (term: 165 days) by daily subcutaneous injection of their dams with 10 mg T propionate. Such gestational exposures are known to enhance male-typical behavior. In this study, compared to control females (n = 19), only early-to-mid gestation T exposure virilizes female external genitalia while increasing 2D:4D ratio in the right hand (RH) by male-like elongation of RH2D. RH2D length and 2D:4D positively correlate with androgen-dependent anogenital distance (AG), and RH2D and AG positively correlate with duration of early-to-mid gestation T exposure. Male monkeys (n = 9) exhibit a sexually dimorphic 2D:4D in the right foot, but this trait is not emulated by early-to-mid or late gestation T exposed females. X-ray determined phalanx measurements indicate elongated finger and toe phalanx length in males, but no other phalanx-related differences. Discrete T exposure during early-to-mid gestation in female rhesus monkeys thus appears to increase RH2D:4D through right-side biased, non-skeletal tissue growth. As variation in timing and duration of gestational T exposure alter male-like dimensions of RH2D independently of RH4D, postnatal RH2D:4D provides a complex biomarker for fetal T exposure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew D Abbott
- Wisconsin National Primate Research Center, University of Wisconsin, Madison, Wisconsin, United States of America.
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